Working Life: The care I received from a student nurse and colleagues was exceptional

Lorraine Clarke, director of education, policy and standards at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)

Lorraine Clarke, Director of Education, Policy and Standards at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI.) Picture: Moya Nolan

“People often say ‘You were born to be a nurse’, but that was never the plan. I grew up in South Armagh and had a strong interest in law and politics. Nursing wasn’t an obvious career choice, but after receiving an offer to train while I was on a working holiday in New York in 1991, I decided to pursue it.
“It has been an unexpected journey because, while I am and always will be a nurse, my role at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) sits at the intersection of legislation, professional regulation, education and ethical standards.

“In 2007, I completed a master’s in healthcare ethics and law. Six years later, I joined an NMBI board committee, subsequently became a board member, then a professional officer, and now serve as director of education, policy and standards. In many ways, I’ve come full circle.

“I trained and qualified as a nurse in Belfast and have more than 35 years of clinical, leadership and education experience. Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to professional development and, until relatively recently, continued to work in clinical practice alongside students and colleagues. In those settings, titles and positions mattered far less than trust, competence and compassion.

“Following surgery recently, I experienced healthcare from the patient perspective. The care I received from a fourth-year student nurse and colleagues was exceptional and reminded me of the profound impact nurses have on those in their care. I wrote to the director of nursing to acknowledge their kindness, professionalism and compassion. It’s important nurses and midwives hear how much their contribution is valued.

“Protecting the public is at the heart of our work as a regulator. We do this by setting standards for professional practice and education, providing clear guidance, and supporting public confidence in the professions.

“Recently, I led the revision of the code of professional conduct and ethics and the development of new registered nurse programme standards. My priority is ensuring nurses and midwives are prepared to deliver safe, effective and person-centred care in an evolving healthcare environment.

“It’s a privilege to contribute to the future of the professions through regulation while remaining grounded in values and experiences that first drew me to nursing.”